Dallas Mavericks Place Their Focus on a Tough OKC Team

Jan 26, 2017; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Harrison Barnes (40) shoots the ball over Oklahoma City Thunder forward Andre Roberson (21) during the first quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 26, 2017; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Harrison Barnes (40) shoots the ball over Oklahoma City Thunder forward Andre Roberson (21) during the first quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Dallas Mavericks host the Oklahoma City Thunder in another tough battle at the American Airlines Center.

The Dallas Mavericks will host the Oklahoma City Thunder Monday at the American Airlines Center.

Usually, a matchup like this would bring on a sense of major importance. But, the Dallas Mavericks are swallowing the pill of missing the NBA playoffs this year.

Normally, we would see the Mavericks vying for position in the playoffs around this time of year. But with injuries, trades and circumstances beyond control, things just didn’t plan out.

But the Mavericks will keep their focus as the Oklahoma City Thunder, lead by Russell Westbrook, come into town Monday night.

The Mavericks organization are already looking towards the future. The season hasn’t gone as they hoped. Yet, they found promise knowing that they’ve established a future core to build around. These last few games of the season gives the young core a chance to develop against some of the most competitive teams in the league.

The Thunder are rough, tough, pesky and fast. With Westbrook at the helm, they’re looking to reverse from their loss against the Houston Rockets on Sunday.

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The Oklahoma City Thunder continue to try to make a statement in the Western Conference. It’s most likely they will finish as the 6th seed. But, being the 6th seed may mean playing the Houston Rockets, a scary force this year led by MVP-canidate James Harden.

Maybe the biggest story for Oklahoma City is the emergence of Russell Westbrook’s triple double show. With the season winding down, he’s already logged in 36 and counting. Oscar Robertson holds the record of 41 in a single season.

With roughly 10 games left, he’s looking to add another against a Mavs team that’s non-playoff bound.

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The Mavericks finish their home stand against the Thunder tonight at 7:30 pm at the American Airlines Center.